Col de Long Tom

The Long Tom Pass, is situated on the R37 between Mashishing (Lydenburg) and Sabie in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.

Dominated by the peaks of Mount Anderson and Mauchsberg it is a beautiful scenic route to drive along with its pinnacle reaching a whopping 2 150m above sea level.

Distance 22,2km
Gradient average 1:33
Gradient maximum 1:5
Summit 2138m
Surface Tar

Be sure to visit Hops Hollow microbrewery at the top of the pass to sample some of their original beers, such as Blacksmith's Brew and Digger's Draught.

Long Tom Monument

In the pass, about 21km outside of Sabie on the R37, there is a monument commemorating the Boer's 155 mm Creusot Cannons used during the Anglo-Boer War. It was the British forces who nicknamed these cannons with their long barrels, "Long Toms".

History

The original Long Tom Pass was treacherous with steep hairpin bends and hair-raising drops and was the route followed by pioneer wagon drivers transporting wares from Mozambique to Lydenburg. Many wagons were lost in the area of Devil’s Knuckles due to the difficulties. It was an arduous journey with wild animals roaming free and mosquitoes flying rampant.

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